It happened 26 years ago on this day. It was January 28th, 1986, and I was in the 11th grade. To many, Shuttle launches were no longer a big deal because, if memory serves, there had been more than 20 that preceded this one, but they still held my imagination. In fact I never lost that feeling - right up and until the program was retired.

Soon after the explosion word made its way around school. I and some others had access to insight other kids didn't. I couldn't wait to get...